Adhan signals that the time of prayer has arrived. It is the Islamic way to call the believers to a congregational prayer. It is either recommended (mandoub)or highly preferred (wajib). It was performed for the first time in the first Hijra year (in Madina). The caller (mu`adhin) stands facing the qiblah, raises his hands to his ears and calls out the adhan. He recites the adhan loud even if he is alone. Adhan, however, is an announcement and is not meant to be a wake-up call to those who are asleep. It is not proper to be so loud as to interfere with the comfort and sleep of such persons as the sick, and the non Muslims.

Iqamah is the second call to prayer. It is made when the congregation is ready to stand for the prayer. Adhan and iqamah are optional for women.